Enzymatic Treatment of Virgin Fiber and Recycled Paper to Reduce Residual Mineral Oil Levels for Paper Production

摘要

Compositions comprising enzyme compositions are provided. Also provided are methods of treating virgin fiber and recycled wastepaper containing mineral oils using the compositions comprising enzyme compositions. The mineral oils generally originate from wastepapers with mineral oil based inks and certain other hydrocarbon-based chemistries used during the manufacturing, paperboard converting, and packaging process. The enzymes break down or modify mineral oils present in the fiber and paper, mobilize and liberate them from the fibers, and increase removal of mineral oils during paper recycling, pulping and papermaking processes. The method results in the break down or modification of mineral oil components in wastepaper, recycled pulp, and paper products by the enzyme compositions so that the mineral oils can be more efficiently detached and removed. The resulting pulp and paper has much reduced mineral oil concentration or less problematic forms of mineral oils and is beneficial for making food packaging paper products.